The Savings Game: FTC 'Funeral Rule' outlines rights

9:23 PM,
Nov. 11, 2012

Written by

Elliot Raphaelson
Tribune Media Services

According to the Federal Trade Commission, funerals rank among the most expensive purchases many consumers will ever make. When plans and arrangements are not made in advance, survivors are uncomfortable negotiating costs; as a result, they often spend much more than they would otherwise.

If you want to spare your relatives the burden of making those decisions at such a stressful time, you should document your wishes in advance. Attorney Denis Clifford, in his book "Plan Your Estate" (Nolo, 2012), points out that written burial instructions left by a deceased person are legally binding ...